The city's new arena is on pace for an Aug. 1 completion.

Wayne London, principal of Populous, formerly HOK Sport Venue Event, told city planning commission members today the new home of the Penguins should be finished by then.

"We have every reason to believe it will happen," he said. "They're doing a great job."

Mr. London said the Consol Energy Center should be fully enclosed by the end of the year and that the "ice sheet" -- the concrete and piping needed to make ice -- should be done right after that, some four months ahead of schedule.

"They're flying over there," he said.

The Penguins have yet to announce an opening date or performance for the building.

Mr. London made his comments as the planning commission approved the signs for the center. Right now, though, there are no plans for a big marquee at the venue like the one outside Mellon Arena across the street.

First Published: October 13, 2009, 7:30 p.m.